I'm not exaggerating when I say this sweet and sticky hoisin chicken is on my weekly dinner rotation. Whenever I can't think of what to cook or just feeling extra lazy, I make this recipe because you only need one pan and common pantry ingredients.
What is Sweet and Sticky Hoisin Chicken?
Sweet and sticky hoisin chicken is juicy chicken thighs coated in a glossy hoisin and soy based sauce that caramelizes right in the pan. Hoisin sauce brings that deep, slightly sweet, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with this protein.
Why You'll Love This Sweet and Sticky Hoisin Chicken
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Between the quick marinate and the fast fry, this comes together faster than delivery.
- One Pan, Minimal Cleanup: Everything happens in a single skillet, so there's less to scrub later.
- Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples plus hoisin sauce equal a sauce that tastes like it was made in a restaurant.
Equipment You'll Need
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients for Sweet and Sticky Hoisin Chicken
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Stay juicy and tender even with a quick cook time, which makes them perfect for this dish.
- Garlic
- Soy Sauce
- Dark Soy Sauce: Adds deeper color and a slightly richer, less salty flavor than regular soy sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: The star of the show, giving this dish its signature sweet and savory glaze.
- Honey
- Rice Vinegar
- Sesame Oil
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Neutral Oil
To Serve
- White Rice
- Veggies of Choice
- Green Onions
- Sesame Seeds
Customizations
- Swap the Protein: Chicken breast or even tofu works well if thighs aren't your thing.
- Add Some Heat: A little chili crisp or sriracha mixed into the marinade brings a spicy kick.
- Bulk Up the Veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas straight into the skillet for a one pan meal.
How to Make Sweet and Sticky Hoisin Chicken
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, add the cubed chicken thighs with garlic, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Mix well so every piece is coated then let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet with neutral oil over medium high heat.
Add the chicken and fry for 4-6 minutes, until cooked through and the sauce has reduced into a sticky, glossy glaze.
Serve
Serve the sweet and sticky hoisin chicken over rice with your veggies of choice. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Use a skillet or microwave to reheat.
Tips to Make the Perfect Sweet and Sticky Hoisin Chicken
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform cubes cook at the same rate, so nothing ends up dry or undercooked.
- Don't Rush the Glaze: Let the sauce reduce fully in the pan so it clings to the chicken instead of pooling at the bottom.
- Use a Hot Pan: A properly heated skillet helps the chicken sear instead of steam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works fine, just watch the cook time closely since it can dry out faster than thighs.
What can I substitute for dark soy sauce?
Regular soy sauce works if you don't have dark soy sauce, though the color and depth of flavor will be slightly lighter.
Is hoisin sauce gluten free?
Most hoisin sauces contain wheat, so check the label or look for a gluten free version if needed.
Can I meal prep this sweet and sticky hoisin chicken?
Absolutely, this sweet and sticky hoisin chicken reheats well and is great portioned out for lunches during the week.
What veggies pair best with this dish?
Cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad all pair nicely with the sweetness of the glaze.
Related Recipes You'll Love
- Chicken Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Chicken)
- Bourbon Chicken
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Five Spice Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken
Sweet and Sticky Hoisin Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
To Serve
- White rice
- Veggies of choice
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add cubed chicken thighs with the garlic, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Give it a good mix so every piece gets coated and marinate for 15 minutes.1.25 pounds chicken thighs, 4 cloves garlic, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, Pinch of salt, Freshly ground black pepper
- Heat a large skillet with the neutral oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken and fry for 4-6 minutes, until cooked through and the sauce has cooked down into a sticky, glossy glaze.1 Tbsp neutral oil
- Serve over rice with your veggies of choice. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.White rice, Veggies of choice, Chopped green onions, Sesame seeds
